Carpet Install '68 Coupe
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
Carpet Install '68 Coupe
I need to start putting in this carpet. I have had it laying in place for quite a while and frankly was looking for a pro installer that would do it in MY garage. No luck finding one and I really don't want to have it hauled to a shop. Sooooo, if anyone knows of any real good, detailed instructions, step-by-step, I would appreciate a link to it. The car is basically clear on the inside no seats and only partial console. I already have the Dynamat in place. So am ready to begin. (BTW, I have installed carpet in a '72 El Camino but that is simple compared to a C3. That rear section is pretty intimidating. 
)
)
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 353
Likes: 3
From: cincinnati oh
I need to start putting in this carpet. I have had it laying in place for quite a while and frankly was looking for a pro installer that would do it in MY garage. No luck finding one and I really don't want to have it hauled to a shop. Sooooo, if anyone knows of any real good, detailed instructions, step-by-step, I would appreciate a link to it. The car is basically clear on the inside no seats and only partial console. I already have the Dynamat in place. So am ready to begin. (BTW, I have installed carpet in a '72 El Camino but that is simple compared to a C3. That rear section is pretty intimidating. )
)
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If you are on our facebook page you'll find where we did a installation on a 68 convertible. There it will also show you how to install the humps provided you've got ACC Carpet, the picture should help you figure it out quickly.
Willcox on FACEBOOK <--- Click Here to View us.
Willcox on FACEBOOK <--- Click Here to View us.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
If you are on our facebook page you'll find where we did a installation on a 68 convertible. There it will also show you how to install the humps provided you've got ACC Carpet, the picture should help you figure it out quickly.
Willcox on FACEBOOK <--- Click Here to View us.
Willcox on FACEBOOK <--- Click Here to View us.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 607
Likes: 122
I just did my 68 Coupe last month. Once I figured out the glue to use, I discovered a trick to laying it down smoothe. I did mine one section at a time and it takes longer. Put the section you are installing out in the sun in a flat spot for an hour or two to heat it up. Its a little warmer in San Diego than Goose Creek right now so that may not be an option. Get it warm however you can. Apply the glue as per the instructions, set the carpet section in place. I then set seven 40lb bags of pea gravel on the section to push it down in the corners and smooth out any sections as needed. Let it sit in a warm garage or area for 48 hours, then repeat on another section.
My carpet kit was not the best, but it smoothed out and looks good and the gravel bags press molded it into each section well. A bit of trimming was needed in the corners behind the seats, but like I said, it was not the best carpet kit to begin with, but where I trimmed it, will never be seen. Good luck.
My carpet kit was not the best, but it smoothed out and looks good and the gravel bags press molded it into each section well. A bit of trimming was needed in the corners behind the seats, but like I said, it was not the best carpet kit to begin with, but where I trimmed it, will never be seen. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
I just did my 68 Coupe last month. Once I figured out the glue to use, I discovered a trick to laying it down smoothe. I did mine one section at a time and it takes longer. Put the section you are installing out in the sun in a flat spot for an hour or two to heat it up. Its a little warmer in San Diego than Goose Creek right now so that may not be an option. Get it warm however you can. Apply the glue as per the instructions, set the carpet section in place. I then set seven 40lb bags of pea gravel on the section to push it down in the corners and smooth out any sections as needed. Let it sit in a warm garage or area for 48 hours, then repeat on another section.
My carpet kit was not the best, but it smoothed out and looks good and the gravel bags press molded it into each section well. A bit of trimming was needed in the corners behind the seats, but like I said, it was not the best carpet kit to begin with, but where I trimmed it, will never be seen. Good luck.
My carpet kit was not the best, but it smoothed out and looks good and the gravel bags press molded it into each section well. A bit of trimming was needed in the corners behind the seats, but like I said, it was not the best carpet kit to begin with, but where I trimmed it, will never be seen. Good luck.
Thanks for your excellent reply. I like the idea with the bags for weight. My kit came from Al Knoch several years ago and looks to be a pretty decent quality. I have the front section pretty well laid in place, tucked in under the dash and under the front console. But nothing trimmed yet. In what order did you do the rear pieces?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 607
Likes: 122
I did a layer of Lizard skin, knock off dynomat on top of that, and then the carpet. I pre-wired to add a stereo, power antennae, and amp. If you are leaning on a stereo upgrade, run all the wires you can think of now before you put the carpet in. As for carpet order, I did the back wheel wells first, the back center piece next. The front tub pieces next and finally the piece behind the seats which kind of overlays all of the other pieces and buts up against and under the compartment frame in the back. Your wire harness looks to be in good shape. This weeks project is to build the speaker boxes in the back. Nothing like Corvette yoga doing interior work. Good luck and its looking good so far.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
If you need to use spray adhesive, take my word for it and buy the slightly more expensive 3M one! I thought that I would save a little and bought NAPA's. It sprayed like paint, i.e. everywhere!!! The 3M stuff comes out in one large, easy to use stream. Lou.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo